Since less then a month I’ve been using the CLINIQUE 3-step skin care routine morning and evening on a daily base. During the period that I’ve been using this cleansing system I have experienced some pros but also some cons. Today you can read what my findings about these three products are, and what results I achieved.

Over the years I have tried multiple CLINIQUE products, which were all very satisfying. The brand is known for its targeted and effective approach to various skin problems and different skin types.

The world-famous CLINIQUE 3-step skin care system exists for a long time, so it was time to put this #DifferenceMaker to the test ;). The system is developed by dermatologists and is available in four variants, all tailored for different skin types and their needs. I myself have a combination skin, so variant 2 (combination/dry skin) was the best option for me.

Step 1 – the ‘Liquid Facial Soap’ – is a cleansing product whose formula promises to not dry out the skin.

Step 3 – the ‘Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion’ – is an intensive hydration that balances the moisture level of the skin.

I used Step 1 morning and evening in the shower, a quick and easy way to wash off makeup and dirt from my face. It’s a mild cleansing, unscented soap, that turns into a soft lather with some water and it doesn’t dry out your skin. I also used it on my eyelids to remove eye makeup, but I don’t think it’s officially meant to be used that way. This is a very nice product!

After showering I applied Step 2 to my dry skin with a cotton pad. I’ve experienced this product as quite intense because it smells like acetone and it contains alcohol denat. (denatured alcohol), an ingredient you rather not wish to have in your skin care products because it’s an aggressive ingredient that dries the skin. Unfortunately this lotion is the star player of the 3-step routine. It ensures quick and visible results. In a short period of time it made my skin remarkably smooth with less visible pores. And that’s the one thing you want to achieve, so what do you do? You keep using it.

Step 3 was a pure relief to my skin after using ‘step 2′. A true thirst-quencher for the skin. This unscented lotion absorbs quickly, hydrates the skin for a long period and makes it feel nice and supple. This moisturizing lotion provides all-day care and hydration and so I didn’t have to use a day cream afterwards.

Overall I liked using the CLINIQUE 3-step system and I found it very effective. My skin visibly cleared up day after day! Steps 1 and 3 were very nice, but I absolutely did not like the smell and feel of Step 2. The alcohol denat. made my skin feel tight and dry, and the menthol in the product gave my skin a hot/fresh sensation that I didn’t find very pleasant.

What I unfortunately also noticed was that, a few days after I stopped using the system, blemishes quickly came back and my skin instantly became less smooth.

However, for the several variants of this system applies: the more sensitive the skin type, the milder the ingredients. Which means that the ingredients in type 1 and 2 are milder than the ingredients in type 3 and 4.

Conclusion: For a lasting effect you should continue to use this system non-stop. If you’re not into that, you can also use the 3-step system every now and then as a 10-day treatment during the periods when you are suffering from a dull and blemished skin.